I can't say I really even begin to understand the problem.... I wonder though if China is really an ally or just another issue waiting to happen in the future. For those who have been or live in China, what is your perspective. What do they or you feel about individual freedom? What really happened in Tinnaman Square (sp)? I know some of the history on Tiawan and China, but....

China is an interesting topic. They have the potential to become the strongest economic power in the world. But, if and when that happens, how will having all of that wealth effect the populace? Will it push them to strive for more freedom?

Knowing it is not enough, we must apply.
Willing is not enough, we must do.

Never approach a Bull from the front, a Horse from the rear, or a Fool from any direction!

& Yeah to most of the world Taiwan IS indeed independent, but, for example, to the Olympic Committee they aren't (feel free to check that one, they are called 'Chinese Taipei' there).

ANNNNDDDD... There are a zillion complicated manners in this, like in everything. There, for example. used to be a taiwanese language... but they can't speak it anymore after the non-communistic chinese moved there ;).... ->

Not very I think.... We are really talk about a war with China, and that is truely an ugly proposition. The US has fought them in both Korea and Vietnam, and it was hard fighting. Why is Tiawan pushing the point about Chinese missles now! They know that the US is stretched to the breaking point, and it just forces the administration to react disjointedly....